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City Council Holds First Public Hearing on SE Quadrant Plan

On Wednesday, July 8, 2015, City Council held its first public hearing on the SE Quadrant Plan (full video; click on July 8, PM in the left hand navigation bar). Members of the SE Quadrant Stakeholder Advisory Committee, business owners, land owners and representatives from nonprofits spoke about the plan’s strengths and how it could be improved. There was broad support for the plan's balance between supporting the growth of the district while reinforcing protections for industrial businesses.

Transportation strategies affirmed

Representatives from two of Portland’s three modal advisory committees ― the Portland Freight Committee and Bicycle Advisory Committee ― testified in support of the plan. In addition to reaffirming the freight and bicycle designations in the existing Transportation System Plan and Bike Master Plan, the SE Quadrant Plan proposes enhancing separate routes for freight trucks and bikes to improve safety and comfort for each. Their support was echoed by the Central Eastside Industrial Council (CEIC).

Property owners and neighborhood associations expressed enthusiasm for the Central Eastside portion of the Green Loop, if conflicts with freight operations can be addressed. The Green Loop is a signature urban design concept that would provide a safe and comfortable pedestrian and bike route around the Central City and link open spaces, tree canopy and pedestrian amenities.

Land use tools for small businesses and craft manufacturers

As at the Planning and Sustainability Commission hearing, the majority of testimony at City Council supported the expansion of the Employment Opportunity Subarea (EOS) throughout the rest of the district. Staff believe that expanding the EOS will create more locations for industrial businesses currently competing for limited real estate in the Central Eastside. Increasing the supply of this type of land should lower demand and stabilize lease rates for all sectors as a result.

At the hearing, a longtime business and property owner in the Central Eastside asked Council to ensure that traditional industry is a priority in the plan. And two members of the Portland Made group asked commissioners to consider the impacts of the EOS proposal on Portland’s growing craft manufacturing community. Based on this input, Councilors are crafting amendments to the plan that will be discussed at the upcoming hearing (details below).